How The Widows of Vrindavan Celebrated Diwali in 2014
This Diwali, the widows of Vrindavan spent Diwali 2014 lighting diyas along the banks of the Yamuna. They have decided to use the holiday to spread awareness about the need for environmental conservation of the river. Their celebration is significant not only for the environmental consciousness they preach, but also because …
Social Experiment on Hunger and Giving
Even if the sample size is small, it is still heartbreaking to think that anyone would deny food to someone hungry, especially when juxtaposed with even one man who shared his food despite being impoverished himself. Sadly, empathy is a stronger force than sympathy.
CHILDLINEIndia's Campaign Video Hits All The Key Points
CHILDLINEIndia is an organization that works with survivors of child sexual abuse and works to prevent it through awareness and education. This cartoon does a lot more than most in educating both children and parents about the precautions they should take. They have produced the video in every major language …
This Year, India and Pakistan Didn't Exchange Sweets on Diwali
Background Recently, India and Pakistan have been exchanging fire across the border despite a ceasefire. Even today, Pakistan shot across the border at the Narain Border Post. Both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire, and things have gotten even more sour recently with Pakistan calling on the United …
We Refused to Tell People in This Bihar Village That They Need Help. It Worked Wonders.
There’s a village called Dom Tola in Kishanganj district, Bihar, where Project Potential, the NGO I founded, is working. The Dom caste is responsible for cleaning up trash, dealing with dead humans and animals, and cleaning human waste. Meanwhile, while walking, I always encounter black, hairy pigs rolling in their …
President Obama Wishes Americans A Happy Diwali 2014!
It’s great to see the President wish Americans of various backgrounds: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, a Happy Diwali. Messages like this from the leader of a country, which at times isn’t accepting of the fact that people of Indian origins are a part of the country too, is great!
What You Should Be Saying Instead of "Boys Don't Cry"
Trigger Warning: This film depicts gender-based violence. The film has an even more powerful message then the title implies. We need to teach people to express their feelings, to feel comfortable with themselves, and to love, rather than to suppress feelings, to feel trapped, and to hate. Madhuri Dixit is …
Indians Think the Greatest Danger is Religious and Ethnic Hatred
According to a recent study published by the Pew Research Center, Indians think that Religious and Ethnic Hatred poses the greatest threat to the world. This is no surprise coming from a country known to have its own set of religious and ethnic problems. The next highest were Inequality and Nuclear …
KitKat Diwali Commercial Reminds Us That Family is Always With You
We wouldn’t say a KitKat is the only way to remind yourself of home, but if you can’t make it home, remember that the smallest thing can help you feel connected! Happy Diwali!
#BaapWaliBaat: UNICEF India's Girl's Education Video
UNICEF India has created a campaign video to promote good parenting. This includes encouraging education for girls, refraining from child marriages and generally promoting empowerment. It may have a slightly corny tone to it, but the message is important!
